In April 1935, Quill & Quire published its first-ever issue with what it called an “entirely unobtrusive” editorial bow to the trades of stationery and bookselling, as outlined in the magazine’s inaugural editor’s letter.
Over the intervening 90 years, Q&Q has changed. We no longer publish reviews of pens and pencils or offer suggestions on how to create window displays – and stationery coverage was also left on the cutting room floor as the magazine honed its focus on the book trade in Canada.
But as we mark 90 years of publication, the Q&Q team will note this anniversary in a similarly understated fashion to how it began. As in 1935, there will be no trumpet blowing – we still “believe trumpet-blowing to be as futile as it is annoying” – other than to point out that the magazine has been around longer than the CBC, and some rather remarkable writers and editors have documented and supported Canada’s writers and publishing industry over the years. But we will be taking a moment to pause and reflect on the magazine’s history.
Over the coming weeks, we will be diving into the Q&Q archives to share some of the publication’s notable moments, as well as some of the perennial issues that have persisted in the book industry decade after decade.
First, we take a look back at some of the covers that have graced the magazine over the last near-century – in no less than five different trim sizes.
We may have shifted to being an online-only publication, but we are no less thankful for your continued reading.
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